The Veteran's service connection claims for diverticulitis and hypertension were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active duty or were related to in-service injury or disease, including herbicide exposure.,For PTSD, the Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating but his claim for an increased rating beyond this level was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that diverticulitis and hypertension had their onset during active duty service or were related to in-service injury or disease, including herbicide exposure. The Veteran's STRs were silent for any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses of these conditions.,For PTSD, the VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service, as there was no diagnosis or treatment noted during active duty. The examiner also reviewed current medical literature which did not support an association with herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Diverticulitis, Hypertension (HTN)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20077415
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20077415.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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